30-yr-old woman's samples being tested for bid flu

The nasal and throat swabs of a 30-year-old woman resident of the walled city area have been sent to Chandigarh to test for swine flu after she had reported to a private hospital with symptoms of the disease on Monday.

The nasal and throat swabs of a 30-year-old woman resident of the walled city area have been sent to Chandigarh to test for swine flu after she had reported to a private hospital with symptoms of the disease on Monday.

Cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue are the symptoms of the disease.

An alert and cautioned administration has set up isolation wards at the civil hospital and other government hospitals in the city, as the development comes in the wake of a death due to the disease in Haryana.

District epidemiologist Dr Raju Chauhan said, "She could be suffering from pneumonia. Most symptoms of pneumonia are manifested in swine flu as well. So, we are treating her for swine flu."

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.

"The woman's throat and nasal swabs samples have been taken and sent to Chandigarh," he added. On the causes and precautions of the disease, civil surgeon Dr Rajiv Bhalla said the disease was caused by H1N1 virus.

"The affected person should stay away from his healthy peers and public places to prevent the disease from spreading. Hands should be regularly washed and coughing and sneezing should be done with the face covered at all times," he added.

Adequate sleep and a nutritious diet also went a long way in helping recover from the disease, he added. He said that those with these symptoms should get themselves examined by a doctor. Thorough medical screening was necessary before beginning treatment, he added.

"People who come in contact with swine flu patients should also get the diagnostic test conducted and they should also take the necessary medicines to fight the virus," he added.